South Korean actor Lee Sun-kyun, renowned for his role as a wealthy entrepreneur in the award-winning film “Parasite,” was discovered lifeless on Wednesday in central Seoul. Authorities suspect the cause of death to be suicide.
Police located Lee unconscious inside a parked car after his manager reported him missing earlier in the day. An alleged suicide note left at his residence heightened concerns.
Yonhap News Agency revealed that a charcoal briquette on the car’s passenger seat suggested carbon monoxide poisoning as the cause of death.
Since October, Lee faced a police investigation for suspected drug use. Under South Korea’s stringent drug laws, such charges can result in up to five years in prison, impacting a celebrity’s reputation and career.
Lee, who publicly apologized in October for the turmoil, consistently denied drug use, and his drug tests returned negative. He accused a bar employee of deceiving him into drug use, filing a complaint against them for blackmail and fraud amounting to $270,000.
Lee Sun-kyun, aged 48, enjoyed a successful career spanning over two decades, making his mark in both television and film.
Debuting in the early 2000s, Lee gained fame with hit dramas like “Behind the White Tower” and “Coffee Prince.” His popularity persisted with later series such as “My Mister” (2018) and “Diary of a Prosecutor” (2019).
In film, Lee collaborated with acclaimed director Hong Sang-soo and achieved success in both arthouse and commercial films. However, his most impactful role was in director Bong Joon-ho’s “Parasite,” a groundbreaking work that earned numerous accolades, including four Oscars in 2020.
Despite his accomplishments, Lee’s life came to a tragic end, leaving fans and the entertainment industry mourning the loss of a talented actor.
In the wake of this tragedy, it’s essential to recognize the signs of distress in ourselves and others. If you or someone you know may be struggling, please reach out to the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Help is available, and you are not alone.
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